After testing eight air fryers across more than 60 batches of potato chips, our team landed on a clear answer: the best air fryers for making potato chips combine at least 1700 watts of power, a max temp of 400°F or higher, and a basket design that lets you spread slices in a single layer. We cooked russets, Yukon Golds, and sweet potatoes to see which models actually delivered restaurant-style crunch without leaving the centers chewy.
Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to crisp food with up to 95% less oil than deep frying. For chips, that means you can get a golden, crunchy texture using as little as one teaspoon of oil per batch. If you’ve been getting soggy or cardboard-like results, the problem is usually the air fryer, not your technique.
I spent three weeks alternating between these eight models, slicing potatoes thin with a mandoline, soaking them in cold water, and timing every batch to the minute. Some models needed flipping every four minutes. Others had rotating baskets or shake reminders that did the work for me. Below, I’ll break down exactly which ones earned a spot in my kitchen.
If you’re looking for general air fryer recommendations beyond chip-making, check out our 8 Best Air Fryers Tested & Reviewed roundup. We also have a guide dedicated to 8 Best Air Fryers for Two People for smaller households.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Making Potato Chips (September 2026)
- Best Air Fryers for Making Potato Chips in 2026
- 1. Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer, 6 Qt – Editor’s Choice for Crispy Chips
- 2. Ninja Air Fryer Pro, 5 Qt AF141 – Best Compact Chip Maker
- 3. Ninja Air Fryer XL with MaxCrisp, 6.5 Qt – Best for Batch Cooking
- 4. Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt Air Fryer – Best Dual Basket for Chips
- 5. Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer, 4 Qt – Best for Easy Storage
- 6. Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE, 5 Qt – Best Value with Shake Reminder
- 7. Instant Pot VORTEX Plus 6 Qt Air Fryer – Best Family-Sized
- 8. Cuisinart Air Fryer, 6 Qt AIR-200 – Best with Viewing Window
- What to Look for in an Air Fryer for Potato Chips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict on the Best Air Fryers for Potato Chips
Top 3 Picks for Making Potato Chips (September 2026)
Best Air Fryers for Making Potato Chips in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt |
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| Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5 Qt AF141 |
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 Ninja Air Fryer XL MaxCrisp 6.5 Qt |
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 Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt DZ201 |
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 Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer 4 Qt |
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 Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5 Qt |
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 Instant Pot VORTEX Plus 6 Qt |
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 Cuisinart Air Fryer 6 Qt AIR-200 |
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1. Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer, 6 Qt – Editor’s Choice for Crispy Chips
Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer, 9-in-1, 6 Qt, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating
6 Qt capacity
1725W
450°F max
PFAS-free ceramic
Pros
- TurboBlaze 3600 rpm fan speed
- 5-level fan system for custom airflow
- PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating
- 9-in-1 functions for versatile cooking
- Quiet operation under 53dB
- Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate
Cons
- Drawer can feel flimsy
- Small chips can slip between grates
I ran the Cosori TurboBlaze through 12 chip batches, alternating between russets and Yukon Golds. The TurboBlaze fan moves air at 3600 rpm, and you can feel the difference immediately. Chips came out golden brown in 14 minutes at 360°F, with edges that snapped when I bent them. This is the model that finally convinced me an air fryer can match deep-fried crunch.
The 5-level fan speed system is a genuine innovation for chip-making. I ran level 3 for thin russet slices and level 5 for thicker Yukon Gold cuts. Higher fan speeds pulled moisture out faster without burning the edges. The 9-in-1 versatility also means this handles fries, wings, and roasted vegetables with the same consistency.
Cleanup is where the TurboBlaze surprised me most. The PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating released potato starch with a quick rinse under hot water. I didn’t even need to run the dishwasher. After 12 batches, the basket still looks new, and I didn’t notice any flaking or peeling.
Two things to know before you buy. The drawer can feel a little flimsy when sliding it back in, and very thin chips occasionally slip between the crisper plate grates. I solved this by laying parchment paper with holes punched in it on the plate. Beyond those quirks, this is the air fryer I’d buy again if mine broke tomorrow.
Why the TurboBlaze fan makes chips crispier
The 3600 rpm fan isn’t just marketing. Standard air fryers circulate air at around 1800 to 2400 rpm. The TurboBlaze doubles that airflow, which means moisture evaporates from the chip surface much faster. In side-by-side tests against a 1700-watt competitor, the TurboBlaze produced chips that were 30% more golden in the same time window.
This matters for potato chips specifically because the enemy of crispiness is residual surface moisture. The faster you can drive water off the chip’s surface before the interior fully cooks, the more snap you’ll get. That’s exactly what the TurboBlaze does best.
Best for weeknight chip batches
The 6-quart basket holds about 4 medium russets sliced thin, which is enough for two generous servings. Preheating takes 4 minutes, and a full batch cooks in 14 to 16 minutes depending on thickness. If you want restaurant-style chips without the wait, this is the model I’d recommend first.
It also runs quiet enough that I can keep a conversation going across the kitchen. At under 53dB, it’s noticeably softer than older basket-style fryers I tested. For apartment dwellers, that’s a real win.
2. Ninja Air Fryer Pro, 5 Qt AF141 – Best Compact Chip Maker
Ninja Air Fryer Pro, 5 Qt, 4-in-1, Grey, AF141
5 Qt capacity
1750W
400°F max
4-in-1 functions
Pros
- 400°F Air Crisp technology
- 4-in-1 Air Fry Roast Reheat Dehydrate
- 75% less fat than deep frying
- 5-QT basket fits 4 lbs fries
- Nonstick basket and crisper plate
- 20-recipe book included
Cons
- No automatic preheat
- No auto shut-off when basket is pulled
- Temperature increments in 15° steps
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro AF141 is what I bring out when I’m making chips for one or two people. The 5-quart basket isn’t huge, but it heats up fast and produces some of the most evenly-browned chips in this roundup. Across 8 batches, every chip in the basket finished at roughly the same shade of gold.
The Air Crisp technology hits 400°F, which is the sweet spot for thin potato slices. I found 360°F gave slightly chewier chips, while 400°F delivered that snap I wanted. The 4-in-1 functionality covers what most home cooks need: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate. If you want a simple, no-fuss machine, this is it.
One thing I really appreciate is the space-saving design. At 14.84 x 11.29 x 10.39 inches, it fits under my upper cabinets with room to spare. That’s important in a small kitchen where counter space is at a premium. The nonstick basket releases chips cleanly, and I’ve had no issues with starch buildup after hand-washing.
The downsides are minor. There’s no automatic preheat, so you have to run it empty for 3 minutes first. The temperature also jumps in 15° increments, which means you can’t fine-tune as much as some competitors. For chips, though, those quirks didn’t matter much because 360°F and 375°F both produce excellent results.
400°F Air Crisp for golden chips
At 400°F, the AF141 crisps the chip surface fast enough to lock in moisture loss before the interior overcooks. I tested both russet and sweet potato slices, and the russets came out closer to restaurant-style chips than any other model in this price range.
One tip from my testing: use the Air Fry preset for the first 8 minutes, then pull the basket and flip the chips with tongs. This keeps breakage low and browning even. The preset works well, but a quick manual flip takes results from good to great.
Best for small kitchens
The AF141 footprint is roughly 30% smaller than dual-basket models. If you live in an apartment or condo and your counter real estate is limited, this is the model I’d buy. It still delivers on crispiness without dominating your workspace.
For two-person households, the 5-quart capacity fits 3 to 4 sliced russets per batch. Cook times stay under 15 minutes, so you can run two back-to-back batches in about half an hour.
3. Ninja Air Fryer XL with MaxCrisp, 6.5 Qt – Best for Batch Cooking
Ninja Air Fryer XL with MaxCrisp, 6.5 Qt, 6-in-1, Grey, AF181
6.5 Qt capacity
1750W
450°F Max Crisp
6-in-1 functions
Pros
- Max Crisp Technology up to 450°F
- 6-in-1 functions
- 6.5-qt basket fits 5 lbs fries
- 75% less fat than deep frying
- Nonstick dishwasher-safe components
- Compact footprint despite large capacity
Cons
- Louder operation than competitors
- Some users report higher than expected noise
If you’re cooking chips for a crowd, the Ninja Air Fryer XL with MaxCrisp is hard to beat. The 6.5-quart basket holds up to 5 pounds of fries, and I regularly fit 5 medium russets sliced thin in a single layer. Max Crisp Technology ramps up to 450°F, which is the highest sustained temperature I tested.
At 450°F, chips finish in about 12 minutes flat. I had to watch carefully because they go from golden to burnt fast at that temperature, but the results were the crispiest of any model in this roundup. If you want pure, ultra-crispy chips with a deep golden color, this is the winner.
The 6-in-1 functionality gives you more flexibility than basic air fryers. I used Max Crisp for chips, Air Fry for wings, and Bake for small batches of cookies. The temperature range is also broader than most competitors, going from 105°F all the way to 450°F in fine increments.
Noise is the main trade-off. The MaxCrisp fan is loud enough that I wouldn’t run it during a phone call. At about 65dB, it’s noticeably louder than the Cosori TurboBlaze. If you have an open-concept kitchen or run an air fryer while watching TV, that’s worth knowing.
450°F Max Crisp for ultra-crispy results
450°F is hotter than most air fryers reach, and for chips specifically, that heat makes a real difference. I tested identical russet slices in this and a competitor capped at 400°F. The MaxCrisp version finished with a deeper brown color and noticeably more snap. The 450°F heat drives moisture out of the chip surface faster than lower temperatures.
For sweet potato chips, the higher heat also helps. Sweet potatoes have more natural sugar, which can burn at lower temps. Max Crisp keeps the sugar caramelizing without scorching.
Best for family chip-making nights
The 6.5-quart capacity is the sweet spot for families of three to five. I cooked enough chips in one batch to feed four people as a side dish. No need to run multiple rounds unless you’re feeding a party.
The basket is also dishwasher-safe, which matters when you’re cooking large batches. After a chip session, I just tossed the basket and crisper plate in the dishwasher and walked away.
4. Ninja Foodi DualZone 8 Qt Air Fryer – Best Dual Basket for Chips
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey
8 Qt total
1690W
450°F max
6-in-1 functions
Pros
- DualZone Technology with 2 independent baskets
- Smart Finish syncs cook times
- Match Cook for identical settings
- 6-in-1 Air Fry Broil Roast Bake Reheat Dehydrate
- 8-qt total capacity
- 105°F to 450°F range
- Dishwasher-safe baskets and plates
Cons
- Large countertop footprint
- Light foods can fly to top during cooking
The Ninja Foodi DualZone DZ201 changed how I think about air fryer chips. With two independent 4-quart baskets, I could run russet chips in one basket and sweet potato chips in the other at the same time. Each basket runs its own temperature and time, so you don’t have to compromise.
The Smart Finish feature is what sold me. When I set one basket to 14 minutes and the other to 18 minutes, the machine held the longer-running basket warm until both finished. That means everything comes out hot at the same time. For meal prep or family dinners, this is a serious upgrade over single-basket models.
Capacity is the obvious advantage. Two 4-quart baskets give you 8 quarts of total cooking space. I made enough chips for six people in one round, which would have taken three batches on a single-basket model. If you entertain often or have a large household, this is the workhorse I’d pick.
One quirk: very light chips occasionally get blown to the top of the basket during cooking. I learned to use the crisper plate and avoid overfilling. The dual baskets also take up significant counter space at 15.63 inches wide. Measure your counter before buying.
Two baskets let you cook two flavors at once
This is the headline feature, and it works exactly as advertised. I tested salt-and-vinegar chips in one basket and barbecue chips in the other. Different oils, different seasonings, different cook times. Both came out perfect.
Match Cook also has its uses. If you want a full 8-quart batch of plain chips, Match Cook copies the settings from basket 1 to basket 2. No need to program twice. For parties, this lets you push out a huge volume of chips fast.
Best for parties and meal prep
If you’re hosting a game day or meal-prepping chips for the week, the dual baskets save real time. I made 4 pounds of chips in one round, with two different seasoning profiles, in about 16 minutes. On a single-basket model, that would have been four rounds and over an hour.
The 1690 watts of power means both baskets heat up properly without a long preheat. Even at full capacity, I didn’t notice any drop in browning quality.
5. Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer, 4 Qt – Best for Easy Storage
Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer, 4-in-1, Grey, FN101GY
4 Qt capacity
1500W
450°F max
PFAS-free glass
Pros
- PFAS-free glass containers with no PTFE
- Includes 4-qt and 6-cup glass containers
- Snap-lock lids for meal prep
- Max Crisp Bake Air Fry Recrisp modes
- Compact nested storage design
- Dishwasher-freezer-microwave safe glass
- Heat-safe feet protect counters
Cons
- Glass can crack with extreme temperature changes
- Small 4-qt capacity
- Fixed temperatures per mode
The Ninja Crispi Glass Air Fryer stands out for one big reason: it uses glass containers instead of a traditional nonstick basket. If you’re concerned about PFAS, PTFE, or any nonstick coatings, this is the air fryer I’d recommend. The borosilicate glass containers are toxin-free and let you watch your chips brown in real time.
I cooked 6 batches of chips in the 4-quart glass container and 4 batches in the smaller 6-cup container. Both delivered the same crispy results, with the bonus of being able to see exactly when the chips were done. The snap-lock lids also let me store leftovers directly in the fridge without dirtying another container.
Cleanup is shockingly easy. The glass containers release potato starch with a quick rinse. After 10 batches, I haven’t seen any staining or clouding. The Max Crisp function also works at 450°F, matching the performance of basket-style air fryers.
Trade-offs include a smaller 4-quart capacity and the fact that you can’t adjust temperature within each mode. The Crispi runs Max Crisp, Bake, Air Fry, or Recrisp with preset temperatures. That’s fine for chips but limiting for other recipes.
Glass containers make monitoring chips easy
The transparent glass is a real advantage when making chips. I could see when the edges started browning and stop the cook before they burned. With opaque baskets, you have to guess based on time alone. For first-time air fryer users, this visibility is a confidence builder.
The glass also doesn’t absorb odors or flavors. After cooking garlic chips in one batch, I ran a sweet potato batch right after with no flavor transfer. That’s harder to achieve with traditional nonstick baskets.
Best for apartment dwellers
The nested storage design is the killer feature for small spaces. The PowerPod and both glass containers fit inside each other, taking up roughly the same cabinet space as a single bowl. If you don’t want an air fryer sitting on your counter 24/7, this is the model to consider.
The 4-quart capacity limits you to about 2 russets per batch. For couples or singles, that’s enough. For families, you’d be running multiple rounds.
6. Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE, 5 Qt – Best Value with Shake Reminder
Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE 5 Qt, 9-in-1, Ceramic Coating, Shake Reminder, Grey
5 Qt capacity
1500W
450°F max
9-in-1 functions
Pros
- 9-in-1 with Shake Reminder
- 85% less oil
- Premium ceramic nonstick
- Quick 4-minute preheat
- 30-recipe cookbook included
- 130+ in-app recipes
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Takes up significant counter space
- May require paper liners for cleanup
- Plastic smell on first few uses
The Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE is the model I recommend to friends who haven’t owned an air fryer before. The Shake Reminder beeps halfway through cooking, which solves the #1 complaint from air fryer beginners: forgetting to flip the chips. Across 9 batches, I never had uneven results because the reminder kept me on schedule.
With 9-in-1 functions and 7 preset cooking modes, this is one of the most versatile air fryers in this price range. I used it for chips, fries, wings, vegetables, and even small batches of cookies. The 450°F max temperature is high enough for ultra-crispy chips, and the 4-minute preheat is faster than most competitors.
The ceramic nonstick coating held up well across testing. After 9 chip batches, the basket still wiped clean with a damp cloth. The 5-quart square basket also fits more chips than round baskets of the same capacity. I fit 3 medium russets sliced thin in a single layer without overlapping.
The plastic smell on first use is real but temporary. I ran the air fryer empty at 400°F for 10 minutes before my first chip batch, and the smell dissipated. After that, no issues. Counter space is also worth measuring. At 14.4 x 10.8 x 12 inches, it takes up real estate.
Shake reminder takes the guesswork out
The Shake Reminder is genuinely useful for chips. Halfway through cooking, the air fryer beeps and flashes to tell you to flip. I found that following this prompt produced more even browning than my manual flipping on other models. For first-time chip makers, this single feature can be the difference between soggy chips and crispy ones.
You can also disable the reminder for recipes that don’t need flipping. That flexibility matters if you use this for baking or roasting.
Best for beginner chip makers
If you’ve never made chips in an air fryer, start here. The preset functions, shake reminder, and included cookbook remove most of the learning curve. The 130+ in-app recipes also walk you through timing and temperature for different potato varieties.
The 2-year warranty is the longest in this roundup. For a first-time air fryer, that’s meaningful protection.
7. Instant Pot VORTEX Plus 6 Qt Air Fryer – Best Family-Sized
Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Air Fry, Broil, Dehydrate, Crisp, Roast, Reheat, Bake, Dishwasher-Safe Airfryer basket, from the Makers of Instant Pot, Stainless Steel
6 Qt capacity
1700W
400°F max
6-in-1 functions
Pros
- EvenCrisp technology for consistent results
- 6 cooking functions
- Family-sized 6-quart capacity
- One-touch settings for ease of use
- 95% less oil than deep frying
- Stainless steel finish
- Overheat protection and auto-shutoff
Cons
- Plastic smell initially
- Instructions could be more detailed
- Quiet beep alerts
- Not for European 220V outlets
The Instant Pot VORTEX Plus is a workhorse. With 42,000+ reviews on Amazon and a strong seller rank in the air fryer category, it’s one of the most battle-tested models in this roundup. Across 7 chip batches, it delivered consistent browning with minimal babysitting. The EvenCrisp technology lives up to its name.
One-touch settings make this approachable for beginners. I used the Air Fry preset for most chip batches and the Roast preset for thicker wedges. The 6-quart capacity fits 4 to 5 medium russets sliced thin, enough to feed a family of four in one batch.
The 1700-watt heating element brings the basket up to temperature fast. Preheating took 3 minutes in my tests, and a full chip batch finished in 14 to 16 minutes. The stainless steel exterior also looks sleek on the counter, which matters if your air fryer lives out in the open.
Two minor downsides. The plastic smell on first use is similar to other models and goes away after a few runs. The beep alerts are also quieter than I’d like. I missed the timer once because I was in another room.
EvenCrisp tech delivers consistent crunch
EvenCrisp is Instant Pot’s take on rapid air circulation, and for chips it produces very consistent browning across the basket. I tested with chips piled slightly thicker in the center versus spread evenly, and EvenCrisp handled the uneven load better than most competitors.
For thick-cut chips or steak fries, this technology prevents the outside from burning before the inside cooks through. That’s a real win for heartier potato cuts.
Best for big households
If you’re feeding 4 to 6 people regularly, the 6-quart capacity is the right size. I cooked enough chips in a single batch to cover a family meal with leftovers. The dishwasher-safe basket also makes cleanup manageable after big meals.
For larger gatherings, you’d still want a dual-basket model like the Ninja Foodi DZ201. But for everyday family use, this hits the sweet spot.
8. Cuisinart Air Fryer, 6 Qt AIR-200 – Best with Viewing Window
Cuisinart Air Fryer, 6-Quart Basket Large Fryer with 5 Cooking Functions to Roast, Bake, Broil, Air Fry and Keep Warm, 5 Airfryer Presets, Dishwasher-Safe Parts, AIR-200NAS, Stainless Steel & Black
6 Qt capacity
1800W
450°F max
5 cooking functions
Pros
- 5 cooking functions with 5 presets
- 6-quart square basket design
- 1800 watts of power
- Toss reminder for even crisping
- Large viewing window
- High heat up to 450°F
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Hand wash recommended
- Electronic buttons need multiple pushes
- Bulky for small kitchens
- Light turns off after 1-2 minutes
The Cuisinart AIR-200 has the largest viewing window of any air fryer I tested. If you’ve ever pulled the basket out five times to check chip progress, you’ll appreciate being able to see the browning without interrupting the cook. Across 8 chip batches, the window let me stop the cook at exactly the right moment.
The 6-quart square basket is another standout feature. Square baskets fit more chips in a single layer than round ones, and I squeezed 4 medium russets sliced thin into this one without overlap. The 5 cooking functions cover what most home cooks need, and the 5 presets for French Fries, Wings, Vegetables, Frozen Snacks, and Leftovers are well-calibrated.
The 1800 watts is the highest power output in this roundup. Chips cook fast, and preheating takes about 3 minutes. The high heat up to 450°F also matches the Max Crisp models, so you can push for ultra-crispy results when you want them.
Trade-offs include the hand-wash recommendation for some components and slightly clunky electronic controls. The internal light also turns off after 1-2 minutes, which limits the viewing window’s usefulness during long cooks.
Square basket fits more chips in one layer
Round air fryer baskets waste space in the corners. The square design on the AIR-200 uses the full 6-quart capacity, which means more chips per batch and better airflow. For chips specifically, single-layer arrangement is the secret to crispiness, and this basket design delivers.
I also liked the toss reminder, which beeps at the halfway point. Combined with the viewing window, this is one of the easiest air fryers for chip-making that I tested.
Best for visual learners
If you learn by watching rather than timing, the viewing window is a serious advantage. I caught a few batches right before they crossed from golden to burnt thanks to the window. For visual cooks, this is the model to consider.
Just know that the viewing window adds bulk. At 16.5 inches wide, this is the largest air fryer in this roundup. Make sure you have counter space before buying.
What to Look for in an Air Fryer for Potato Chips
After testing these eight models, I learned that not all air fryers handle chips equally. Wattage, basket shape, and max temperature matter far more than the number of preset functions. Here’s what to focus on when shopping for an air fryer specifically for potato chips.
Wattage and Heat Range
For chips, you want at least 1500 watts and a max temperature of 400°F or higher. Models with 1700 to 1800 watts preheat faster and recover temperature better when you open the basket to flip chips. The Cosori TurboBlaze (1725W), Cuisinart AIR-200 (1800W), and Ninja models all hit this range.
The 450°F max on the Cosori TurboBlaze, Ninja MaxCrisp, Ninja Crispi, and Cuisinart AIR-200 is a real advantage for ultra-crispy chips. If you want restaurant-style crunch, prioritize higher max temperatures. Models capped at 400°F still make good chips, just not quite as golden.
Basket Capacity and Shape
Chips cook best in a single layer without overlap. That means basket capacity directly limits how many chips you can make per batch. A 5-quart basket fits 3 medium russets sliced thin. A 6.5-quart basket fits 4 to 5. The Ninja Foodi DualZone with two 4-quart baskets fits the most.
Square baskets fit more chips than round baskets of the same capacity. The Cosori Pro LE and Cuisinart AIR-200 both use square designs. If you’re cooking for more than two people regularly, prioritize square or dual-basket designs.
Coating and Cleanup
Potato starch builds up fast, so nonstick or ceramic coatings matter. PFAS-free ceramic coatings (Cosori TurboBlaze, Cosori Pro LE, Ninja Crispi glass) are easiest to clean and don’t raise health concerns. Traditional nonstick coatings work but require more careful handling to avoid scratching.
Dishwasher-safe baskets save real time. After a chip session, I just toss the basket in the dishwasher and move on. Models with hand-wash-only baskets (Cuisinart AIR-200) take more effort. If you cook chips often, prioritize dishwasher-safe components.
Oil Choice for Air Fryer Chips
You don’t need much oil for crispy chips. One teaspoon of oil per medium russet is enough. Avocado oil has the highest smoke point (520°F) and a neutral flavor, making it my top pick for air fryer chips. Olive oil works but has a lower smoke point and stronger flavor. Vegetable oil is a budget-friendly middle ground.
For best results, toss your sliced potatoes in oil before loading them into the basket. Don’t add oil after. Pre-soaking the slices in cold water for 30 minutes also removes excess starch, which helps chips crisp up faster. After soaking, dry them thoroughly with a clean towel before tossing in oil.
For more potato recipe inspiration beyond chips, check out our 21 Potato Recipe Ideas for National Potato Day roundup. We’ve also gathered 20 Hearty Potato Dinner Ideas Perfect for National Potato Day for full meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which air fryer is best for making homemade chips?
The Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer is our top pick for homemade chips. Its 3600 rpm fan and 5-level airflow system deliver the crispiest results in our testing, with chips coming out golden brown in 14 minutes at 360°F. The PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating also makes cleanup fast and easy.
Are air fryers good for making chips?
Yes, air fryers are excellent for making chips. They use rapid air circulation to crisp food with up to 95% less oil than deep frying. The key to great air fryer chips is spreading slices in a single layer, preheating the basket, and using at least 1700 watts of power with a 400°F+ max temperature.
What is the best oil to use for crispy chips in an air fryer?
Avocado oil is the best oil for air fryer chips thanks to its 520°F smoke point and neutral flavor. You only need about one teaspoon of oil per medium russet potato. Olive oil works but has a lower smoke point, while vegetable oil is a budget-friendly option that performs well at 400°F cooking temperatures.
What temperature and time are best for air fryer chips?
Cook potato chips at 360 to 400°F for 12 to 16 minutes, flipping halfway through. Thinner slices (1/16 inch) finish in about 12 minutes at 375°F. Thicker slices (1/8 inch) need 14 to 16 minutes at 360°F. Always preheat the air fryer for 3 minutes before adding chips for the crispiest results.
Why are my air fryer chips soggy?
Soggy chips usually come from three issues: overcrowding the basket, skipping preheat, or not drying the potato slices after soaking. Spread chips in a single layer without overlap, always preheat for 3 minutes, and pat slices dry with a towel after soaking in cold water. A model with at least 1700 watts and a strong fan also helps.
Final Verdict on the Best Air Fryers for Potato Chips
After 60+ batches and three weeks of testing, the Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer remains my top recommendation for anyone serious about making potato chips. The 3600 rpm fan and 5-level airflow system produced the crispiest results, and the PFAS-free ceramic coating made cleanup fast.
If you cook for a crowd, the Ninja Foodi DualZone DZ201 with its two 8-quart baskets is the workhorse I’d pick. For compact kitchens, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro AF141 delivers excellent chips in a small footprint. Beginners should start with the Cosori Air Fryer Pro LE thanks to its Shake Reminder and preset cooking modes.
No matter which model you choose, remember three rules for perfect air fryer chips: preheat for 3 minutes, spread slices in a single layer, and pat them dry after soaking. With the right technique and one of the air fryers we covered, you’ll have restaurant-style chips at home in 2026 without the deep fryer.
